Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Nutcrackers, Snow.

I am now using my Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar for this year. Today it was a dance based on the Nutcracker and fun to watch. However, it made me think of nutcrackers (of course I have nutcrackers) but I have always wanted one like those featured in the ballet. I nearly bought myself one once but then thought to myself why did I need it? The answer was, I didn’t of course. In fact I don’t often use the regular run of the mill nutcrackers I have, if I buy nuts these days they are usually already shelled. I love the ballet of course, but my favourite was the Nutcracker on Ice – I don’t remember who was in it apart from the British skater Robin Cousins who, in his day, was a champion. It was a brilliant show and I have it on VHS. Haven’t watched it in years, guess I should roust it out, if I can remember how to use the VCR, don’t use it very often any more. Robin Cousins was the first person to do the back flip which became such a trademark of Scott Hamilton’s.

Tuesday afternoon we went over to a friend’s in Hespeler a good 40 minutes drive away, I had some Avon for her. A silver blouse which looked really good on her. Anyway, once we were there they announced they were giving us supper. Great. However, it started to snow. Matt had already told me before we left that the forecast was for snow and later freezing rain. Our hostess said we weren’t leaving anyway, she had made too much food. We sat there for a while with a glass of wine and she started cooking early, but the road outside was getting white and the cars were covered. I could see Matt was getting really antsy about it so we said sorry, we just had to go. Lots of apologies, didn’t even realise we were getting a meal, pity because we always enjoy ourselves with them. In fact, once we got out on to the main roads they weren’t bad but by the time we got home there was some freezing rain. Haven’t looked outside since but we maybe could have stayed, on the other hand, you just don’t know.

When I did get home, I checked the mail, 12 Years a Slave had arrived.

I loved the sound of this recipe and I think it is one I will definitely add to my repertoire. Matt said there were so many ingredients was there anything that had been left out?

Cuban-Style Pork and Rice

Full of spice and exotic flavours, this Cuban take on the classic Spanish paella is an easy way to feed a hungry crowd. Don’t worry if you have leftovers. They can easily be rewarmed in a microwave or combined with eggs to make a Spanish tortilla (omelet); or for a great cold dish, toss the leftover rice with cooked vegetables and a vinaigrette made with lime juice instead of vinegar.
Ingredients

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork, leaving any excess spice mixture in the bowl to add later. Cook the pork, stirring, until just cooked on the outside and the spices are very fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the pork to a plate.

Add onion and the remaining 2 tablespoons garlic to the pan and cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, until well coated with the onion mixture. Stir in broth, tomatoes, capers, saffron and any remaining spice mixture. (If using brown rice, also add 3/4 cup water now.) Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes for arborio, 30 minutes for brown rice.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Stir shrimp (if using) and artichokes (or green beans) into the rice. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Stir in the pork and any accumulated juices from the plate; scatter roasted peppers on top. Cover and continue baking until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed (if you’ve added shrimp, they should be opaque and pink), 10 to 15 minutes more.

Tip
Note: Saffron is the dried stigma of a saffron crocus. It contributes a pungent flavour and intense yellow color to classic dishes like paella. Saffron is sold in threads and powdered form.

20 comments:

Hi Jo. I remember Robin Cousins' back flip - it was really something to see. I love ice skating. Too bad about the evening out but I'd rather be safe then sorry, as they say. Hmm, is ice the main topic here?The dish looks great. Leftovers could go with a lot of things.

12 Years a Slave is a wonderful movie. I loved it. I also adore the Nutcracker Suite Ballet. I used to listen to the music on my way to work in the car. I love Sleeping Beauty as well... good old Tchaikovsky. Very jealous of your white Christmas!

Haven't watched it yet, most people are kind of down on it because they say it's so shocking. I used to love the ballet and going to Sadlers Wells in London, not done that in many a long year. Saw a ballet in our local theatre some years ago but it was a brand new theatre, wonderful acoustics and all I could hear was the thumps of the dancers' feet.

Haven't got a white Christmas yet Pinky. Seem to think we didn't have one last year either.

I wish you lived closer and I'd give you a sample of different flavoured ones. I like to make the vanilla and then quick, whilst still hot, wrap them into mini ice cream cones. Or little ice cream cups.

Hi Jo - had to come back to this .. as I needed to get my advent calendar up to date - can't quite work it out .. but at least I can find it now .. and will remember to open it every day ... fun to see the doors open and hear the Carol .. thanks.

Snow - not funny - sad about your friends' supper that you missed out on - but better safe than sorry .. the pork dish looks delicious ... it's cold here now and getting colder .. ah well it is December and I've known worse days (much worse days!) .. cheers Hilary

Glad you got it working OK. If you have any problems contact Jacquie Lawson direct. They should be able to assist you.

No, not funny as you say. I can remember some really severe winters living in Kent especially '63 or was it '68, somewhere around there when the Medway froze. I remember it froze another time but I was living elsewhere then.

Sunflowers

Golden Scale Award

Survivor 2014

Search This Blog

Sweetest Blog

Super Blogger

Thanks Yolanda

Follow by Email

Sisterhood Award

Liebster Award

I survived

One Lovely Blog Award

Survivor

Award

Followers

About Me

Happily married for 45 years, originally from the UK, living in Canada now. Interested in cooking, reading and wildlife conservation. Read more at http://satimaflavell.blogspot.ca/2009/02/fresh-fields-reading-and-recipes.html